The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a serious warning about the potential risks associated with the non-renewal of Long Distance International (LDI) licenses. In a report presented to Parliament, the PTA emphasized the significant threat this poses to Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure, with widespread consequences for mobile services, internet connectivity, and banking operations.
According to the document, Pakistan’s long-haul and metro optical fiber cable (OFC) networks extend over 25,567 km and 18,337 km, respectively. Companies like Wateen Telecom, which manage a substantial portion of the long-haul OFC network, have leased their infrastructure to major telecom operators such as Telenor, Jazz, and CMPak, enabling fiber-to-the-site (FTTS) connectivity.
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The failure to renew LDI licenses could have severe repercussions for these telecom operators, as their ability to provide essential services to millions of customers depends on this infrastructure. A disruption in LDI licenses could lead to significant outages in mobile services, internet connectivity, and even banking transactions, all of which rely heavily on stable telecommunications networks.
The PTA’s warning highlights the urgent need for the government to address this issue promptly. The non-renewal of LDI licenses could have far-reaching impacts on Pakistan’s economy and its digital development. It is critical that the necessary measures are taken to prevent such a crisis.
As Pakistan continues to expand its digital footprint, maintaining a reliable and robust telecom infrastructure is vital. The government must prioritize the renewal of LDI licenses to ensure the continued stability and growth of the country’s telecommunications sector.
